Animal tag system

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method for managing animals such as but not limited to livestock. In some embodiments, an ear tag assembly has a main body, a backing member and a shaft that extends through an aperture through an outer ear of an animal to interconnect the main body and the backing member. A primary temperature sensor obtains an outer ear temperature of the outer ear. An ambient temperature sensor obtains an ambient temperature of a surrounding environment external to the animal. A control circuit receives the outer ear and ambient temperatures and determines a state of the animal responsive to a comparison of the outer ear temperature and the ambient temperature over a selected time interval.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of copendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/595,561 filed May 15, 2017, whichissues as U.S. Pat. No. 9,848,577 on Dec. 26, 2017.

BACKGROUND

Livestock management is generally concerned with the care andmaintenance of livestock (e.g., domesticated animals such as cattle,sheep, swine, etc.) in an agricultural setting. Livestock managementsystems are usually implemented with a view toward the commercialproduction of commodities from such animals for human consumption anduse.

Modern agricultural practices have increasingly incorporated the use oftechnology to assist in livestock management efforts. It is common fordomesticated livestock animals such as cattle to wear or otherwise carrymachine interactive tags that can be used to track the location andstatus of the individual animals in a particular setting, such as adairy farm, feed lot, ranch, etc.

Data collection and analysis systems can aggregate tag data to enable auser to perform various livestock management tasks. Temperature dataobtained from a particular tag may be used to indicate the health statusof the animal. Location data obtained from a tag may facilitate otheranimal welfare activities such as milking operations, vaccinations,search and rescue efforts for lost animals, etc.

While existing technical solutions in the area of livestock managementhave been found operable, there remains a continued need forimprovements in the art, and it is to these and other improvements thatvarious embodiments of the present disclosure are directed.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments are generally directed to an apparatus for managinganimals such as but not limited to livestock.

In some embodiments, an ear tag assembly has a main body, a backingmember and a shaft that extends through an aperture through an outer earof an animal to interconnect the main body and the backing member. Aprimary temperature sensor obtains an outer ear temperature of the outerear. An ambient temperature sensor obtains an ambient temperature of asurrounding environment external to the animal. A control circuitreceives the outer ear and ambient temperatures and determines a stateof the animal responsive to a comparison of the outer ear temperatureand the ambient temperature over a selected time interval.

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments canbe understood from a review of the following detailed description andthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram for a livestock management systemconstructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of a cow having a tag assembly of thesystem of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3A is an exploded side-elevational representation of the tagassembly of FIG. 2 in some embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a front facing view of the assembled tag from FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a rear facing view of the assembled tag from FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a functional block representation of the tag assembly of FIG.3A in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a schematic depiction of a shaft assembly of the tag showingvarious internal elements of interest in some embodiments.

FIG. 6A shows an interconnection arrangement of various elements fromFIG. 4, including the primary temperature sensor located within theshaft in some embodiments.

FIG. 6B shows another interconnection arrangement with the primarytemperature sensor located within the shaft in accordance with otherembodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a distal engagement arrangement of the system in someembodiments.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the outer ear (auricle) of ananimal to depict an appropriate location for the attachment of the tagassembly thereto in some embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows a printed circuit board (PCB) supporting various componentsof the tag in some embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows an offset location of the primary temperature sensorwithin the shaft of the tag assembly in some embodiments.

FIG. 11 shows a centered location of the primary temperature sensorwithin the shaft of the tag assembly in further embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates bias forces applied to the tag assembly afterinstallation.

FIG. 13 shows another schematic depiction of another cow having a tagassembly from the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with furtherembodiments.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show respective front facing and side elevationalviews of the tag assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates various sensor inputs and energy source inputs thatmay be incorporated in the respective tag assemblies of FIGS. 2 and 8.

FIG. 16 is a graphical representation of data obtained from a selectedtag assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a functional block representation of transmitter (TX) andreceiver (RX) capabilities of the tag assembly in some embodiments.

FIG. 18 is another functional block representation to depict mobile herdnetwork capabilities of the tag assemblies.

FIG. 19 is a functional block representation of the system in accordancewith further embodiments.

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary user interface that may be displayed on thenetwork access device of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 shows another exemplary user interface that may be displayed onthe network access device of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 shows various communication zones that may be established forthe system.

FIG. 23 illustrates communications carried out by differentcommunication circuits of the tag in relation to the various zones ofFIG. 22.

FIG. 24 shows a schematic depiction of another animal (cow) having a tagassembly constructed and operated in accordance with furtherembodiments.

FIG. 25 is an isometric representation of the tag assembly from FIG. 24in conjunction with a connection member.

FIGS. 26A and 26B provide respective front and rear facing views of thetag assembly of FIG. 25.

FIG. 26C shows a side elevational representation of the tag assembly inan installed condition.

FIG. 27 is another rear facing view of the tag assembly to representcertain internal elements of interest including a battery, a printedcircuit board (PCB) and various sensors.

FIG. 28 is a side-view representation of the internal elements of FIG.27.

FIG. 29 shows the temperature sensor with an overmolded bump to provideoperative contact with the outer ear of the animal from FIG. 24.

FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C show different connection members suitable fordifferent types of animals.

FIGS. 31A and 31B are graphical representations of data obtained fromthe tag assembly of FIG. 24 useful in detecting a successfulinsemination of the animal based on the outer ear temperature of theanimal in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 32A and 32B are graphical representations of data obtained fromthe tag assembly of FIG. 24 useful in detecting an illness of the animal(e.g., milk fever) based on the outer ear temperature of the animal inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 33 shows another schematic depiction of a tag assembly in which anexternal ambient temperature measurement is provided to a controlcircuit.

FIG. 34 shows another schematic depiction of yet another tag assemblyincluding additional sensors such as a heart rate monitor and a three(3) axis accelerometer.

FIG. 35 is a sequence diagram to illustrate usage of the various tagassemblies disclosed herein in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 36 shows the use of a separate auxiliary tag which communicateswith another tag assembly in further embodiments.

FIG. 37 shows a general communication sequence between wirelesstransponders in the form of a sensor and a reader in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 38 is a schematic depiction of the sensor in FIG. 37 in someembodiments.

FIG. 39 is a functional block representation of the sensor of FIG. 37 insome embodiments.

FIG. 40 illustrates a wireless activation operation with a selected tagassembly using the elements of FIGS. 37-39 in accordance with someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to an animal managementsystem useful for managing various types of animals. Various embodimentsdiscussed in detail herein are generally directed to systems formanaging livestock, such as but not limited to cattle, in anagricultural setting. The systems, methods and devices set forth hereinare not so limited, however, as other forms domesticated and wildmammals may be managed using these techniques, including but not limitedto wolves, large cats, deer, bison, goats, elephants, etc. Moreover, itwill be immediately apparent that the various techniques disclosedherein can be applied to other forms of animals, including humans.

As explained below, some embodiments provide a tag assembly adapted tocollect, receive and transmit data associated with a livestock animal,such as a cow. The tag assembly has a tag (base) which encloses variouselectronic components. An elongated shaft assembly extends from the tagto pierce and extend through the ear of an animal. A backing member isattachable to the distal end of the shaft assembly to retain the tagassembly to the ear.

A first temperature sensor is incorporated into the tag assembly. Thefirst temperature sensor may be disposed within a medial portion of theshaft assembly to obtain a first sequence of temperature measurementsindicative of an external ear temperature of the animal (e.g., atemperature of the auricle, or outer ear of the animal, also referred toherein as an outer ear temperature of the animal). Other locations forthe first temperature sensor may be used, including along a facingsurface of the tag assembly to press against or otherwise contactinglyabut an outer surface of the outer ear to obtain the outer eartemperature of the animal.

A second temperature sensor is also provided. In some cases, the secondtemperature sensor is disposed within the tag to provide a secondsequence of temperature measurements indicative of an ambienttemperature of an environment external to the animal. In other cases,the second temperature sensor is disposed external to the tag assembly,such as in a nearby data collection unit, from a different tag assemblyon another animal, etc. to obtain the ambient temperature measurements.Correlation of the first and second temperature sequences can be carriedout to ascertain a state of the animal. A number of additional sensorsof various types may further provide information regarding the state ofthe animal.

In some cases, a permanent tag configuration is used so that the backingmember can be removed and replaced on a regularly scheduled basis. Theremovable backing member may house a battery or other power source, aswell as one or more peripheral devices such as additional circuits,energy collection devices, etc. In other cases, a one-time use tagconfiguration is used so that the backing member permanently connects tothe distal end of the shaft. In this case, the battery or other powersource may be disposed within the tag rather than in the backing member,although such is not required. In still other cases, a lifetime tag canbe used that is secured using a connection member that can be cut orotherwise removed to allow the tag to be installed on a new, differentanimal.

A variety of different control circuits, sensors and communicationcircuits can be incorporated into the tag and/or backing member to carryout various functions. The tag assembly can be configured to interfacewith various communication devices locally and/or over one or morenetworks, including other nearby tag assemblies, data collection units,network access devices and remote servers. Data collected from the tagassembly can be analyzed to further various livestock managementefforts.

These and other features of various embodiments will now be understoodbeginning with a review of FIG. 1 which provides a functional blockrepresentation of a livestock management system 100.

The system 100 includes a number of different modular components thatcan be utilized within the system as desired under different operationalenvironments. Representative components include a livestock tag assembly102, a data collection unit 104, a number of network access devices 106and a remote server 108. These components can be configured tocommunicate with either other as required, either directly or via one ormore networks 110 (including a local wireless network, the Internet,etc.). The construction and interaction of these various components willbe discussed in detail below.

FIG. 2 depicts the head of a livestock animal 112 (in this case, a cow)to illustrate an exemplary placement of the tag assembly 102 in acentered relation to an ear 114 of the cow. As noted above, while thevarious embodiments presented herein are particularly suitable for themanagement of a herd of cattle, the system can be readily adapted foruse with substantially any type and/or group of animal, includingdomesticated or wild mammals.

FIG. 3A is an exploded representation of the tag assembly 102 of FIGS.1-2 in accordance with some embodiments. Other configurations can beused so the arrangement of FIG. 3A is merely exemplary and is notlimiting. The tag assembly 102 includes a tag 120, also referred to as atag member, a base member, a base and/or a first attachment member. Thetag 120 is substantially disc-shaped and may be on the order of about 2inches, in. in diameter by about ¼ in. in thickness. Other sizes andshapes may be used. The tag 102 has an outer housing that is formed ofinjection molded plastic or other environmentally suitable material. Thehousing provides an interior sealed environment for various circuitcomponents used by the tag assembly.

A shaft assembly 122 extends from a central portion of the tag 120. Theshaft assembly 122 includes an elongated shaft 124 that is cylindricallyshaped and which terminates with a radially-extending retention flange125. The flange 125 is disc-shaped and has a larger diameter than theshaft 124 to serve as a retention feature. The shaft 124 and flange 125are hollow to form a central passageway therethrough and may be made ofthe same material as the tag 120.

The shaft assembly 122 terminates at a distal end thereof with aconically shaped tip 126. The tip 126 is electrically conductive and maybe made of metal or other material to facilitate piercing of the ear 114during installation as well as conduction of electricity from a powersource during operation.

A disc-shaped retainer member 128 is configured to mechanically engagethe retention flange 125 to secure the tag 120 to the ear. The retainermember 128 may include an array of radially extending ridges tofacilitate user manipulation during attachment of the retainer member tothe retention flange on the back side of the ear.

A cup-shaped backing member 130 is configured to be subsequentlyattached to the retainer member 128. The backing member 130 isconfigured as a quick-disconnect member so that, with a simple twist bythe user, the backing member may be removed from and installed onto theretainer member. Suitable ridges may be provided for this purpose. Forreference, the retainer member 128 and the backing member 130 are alsosometimes referred to as a second attachment member or second attachmentassembly.

As desired, optional thermal insulators 132 in the form of compliantdiscs may be sandwiched between the tag 120 and the retainer member 128.The insulators 132 may be soft, non-irritating material to help cushionthe tag assembly elements and seal the respective ends of the aperturein the ear through which the shaft assembly 122 extends. Other elementsmay be installed as well, such as leaf springs or other retentionmembers (not separately shown) to further ensure retention and comfortfor the animal.

FIG. 3B shows a front facing view of the installed tag assembly 102.Only the tag 122 is visible from this vantage point, as shown in FIG. 2.The tag includes a circular shaped facing surface 134. A light emittingdiode (LED) 136 or other user visual indication device can be placed inrelation to the surface 134 to provide notification informationregarding the status of the tag 122.

FIG. 3C is a back facing view of the installed tag assembly 120. Thisrepresents that portion of the tag assembly that can be viewed frombehind the ear 114 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 provides a functional block representation of various electricalcomponents of the tag assembly 102 in accordance with some embodiments.Other arrangements can be used. The various elements may be realizedusing one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices mounted to a printedcircuit board. Various interconnections are provided to enableintra-device communications, but such paths are omitted for clarity.Modes of operation of these various elements will be discussed morefully below.

Attention is initially directed to the shaft 124 which houses a primarytemperature sensor 140. The primary temperature sensor, also referred toas a first temperature sensor, is configured to obtain temperaturemeasurements correlated to an interior temperature of the outer ear ofthe animal by way of the surrounding ear material. The first temperaturesensor 140 may take the form of a thermistor, a thermocouple, etc.

The tag portion 120 of the tag assembly 102 includes a controller 142,which provides top level control for the tag assembly 102. Thecontroller 142 may be realized as one or more programmable processorcircuits that utilize executable program instructions (e.g., firmware,software) stored in local memory. Additionally or alternatively, thecontroller may be a non-processor based hardware circuit such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gatearray (FPGA), logic circuitry, etc. The controller 140 and relatedcircuitry may be incorporated into a system on chip (SOC) device.

Local memory for the controller 142 includes volatile memory such asDRAM 144 and non-volatile memory such as flash memory 146. Theserespective memories may be used to accumulate measurement data, metadataand/or programming instructions, as well as any other data used by thedevice as required. A logic circuits block 148 represents otherelectrical elements including passive and active elements, gate logic,power regulators, switching devices, etc. used by the tag assembly.

A secondary temperature sensor 150 is used to obtain ambient temperaturereadings in an environment external to the animal. While the secondarytemperature sensor is shown to be incorporated in the tag 102, thesensor may be housed elsewhere such as in the backing member 130. Atleast some embodiments operate to correlate changes between therespective temperature readings obtained from the first and secondtemperature sensors to monitor and assess a state of the animal. Thevarious temperature measurements from the primary and secondarytemperature sensors are stored locally in the tag 120, such as in theflash memory 146.

A number of multi-range proximity sensors 152 are used to providedifferent proximity indications based on different distances. Atransmitter/receiver (TX/RX) circuit 154 communicates data to andreceives data from other communication devices such as those shown inFIG. 1. An optional global position system (GPS) circuit 156 can be usedto provide geoposition data relating to the tag.

A user indicator circuit 158 operates to provide user indicationsassociated with the tag. This can include circuitry used to activate theLED 136 in FIG. 3B, as well as other indications as required (includingaudio/video/tactile indications, etc.). Block 160 represents additionalsensors that may be incorporated into the tag to provide furtherenvironmental related measurements. As before, these and other data arestored locally on the tag as well.

The backing member 130 includes a power source 162, which may take theform of an electrical battery. While the use of a battery iscontemplated, other power sources can be used including solarcollectors, kinetic energy storage systems, etc. As desired, one or moreperipheral devices 164 can be provisioned within the backing member 130.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of portions of thetag assembly 120 as installed within an aperture 165 that extendsthrough the ear 114 auricle of the cow 112 (see FIG. 2). The cylindricalshaft 124 is hollow to provide a central interior passageway 166.Conductive paths 168 such as in the form of a flex circuit or insulatedwires pass along the passageway 166 to provide power and data signalsbetween the backing member 130 and the tag 120, as well as to providethe operable connections necessary for the primary temperature sensor140.

An optional thermal layer 169 can be provided within the passageway 166.The layer 169 can be selected to have a thermal response that isdifferent from that of ambient air. The layer 169 can be thermallyinsulative or conductive as required to facilitate accurate interiortemperature measurements of the animal from the surrounding livestockear (auricle). The thermal insulators 132 (FIG. 2) serve to thermallyseal the opposing ends of the ear aperture 165 and stabilize thetemperature readings obtained from the sensor 140.

It is noted that for livestock with large ears such as cattle, the outerears (auricle) serve a number of functions including conductive coolingof the animal through contact of the ears with the surroundingatmosphere. Because the primary temperature sensor 140 is positioned toextend through the auricle, the primary temperature sensor 140 isconfigured to obtain accurate readings of an external ear or auricletemperature of the animal (also referred to herein as an outer eartemperature). This is in contrast to an internal body (or core)temperature of the animal. An internal body temperature measurementcould be obtained, for example, by using an intrusive probe that extendsinto the animal's inner ear or otherwise is located at a suitablelocation within the main body of the animal such as through surgicalimplantation, ingestion, etc. It is known in the art that extendingtemperature probes into the inner ear can have a number of detrimentaleffects. Such probes can cause continued annoyance of the animal, canprovide a possible source for contamination and infection, and can beeasily damaged or dislocated.

While the auricle temperature will often be different from the bodytemperature, these two temperatures are often related and can becorrelated. It is not necessary to obtain an actual internal bodytemperature measurement to achieve the various functions and features ofthe disclosed embodiments, since various temperature related states ofthe animal such as ovulation, sickness, heat stress, etc. can be readilydetected using the non-intrusive sensors of the tag assembly 102 withoutthe need or desire for a core temperature. Indeed, it has been foundthat some states of an animal can be determined specifically bymonitoring auricle temperature fluctuations that may not be reflected inthe main core body temperature.

Nevertheless, as desired an accurate estimate of the internal bodytemperature of the animal can be obtained from the auricle temperaturereadings using the primary temperature sensor 140 as well as thesecondary ambient temperature sensor 150, other environmental sensors,etc. The tag assembly 102 can also be configured to communicate withother sensors (not shown) arranged to directly measure an internal bodytemperature of the animal.

FIG. 6A is a functional block representation of electrical power anddata signal pathways that extend between the tag 102 and the backingmember 130. The power source (battery) 162 provides a positive railvoltage (Vdd) and a reference ground (GND) for use by circuitry in boththe tag and the backing member via the conductors 168. A control circuit170, which may include the controller 142 and/or other logic circuitryof the tag 120, supplies data control signals to the primary temperaturesensor 140 within the shaft 124 and to the peripheral device(s) 164 inthe backing member 130.

FIG. 6B shows an alternative arrangement to that of FIG. 6A. The primarytemperature sensor 140 is still located within the shaft 124 as before,but takes a different configuration. The primary temperature sensor 140includes a base sensing element 140A, and a thermally conductive heatpipe 140B that extends from the sensing element 140A and terminates at aprobe tip 140C.

The sensing element 140A and the proximal end of the heat pipe 140B aredisposed within the tag 120 (or alternatively, within the backing member130). The distal end of the heat pipe 140B and the probe tip 140C aredisposed within the shaft 124 as before. The probe tip 140C may be aseparate thermally responsive element or may constitute the distal endof the heat pipe 140B.

Generally, the heat pipe 140B is a solid, hollow or fluid filled tubularmember with a high rate of thermal conductivity that efficientlytransports heat from the probe tip 140C to the sensing element 140A. Inthis way, the sensing element 140A outputs a thermal value indicative ofthe temperature observed at the probe tip 140C. In both of the cases ofFIGS. 6A and 6B, it will be appreciated that the primary temperaturesensor is disposed within the shaft 124 to sense the temperature at thislocation.

FIG. 7 is a simplified representation of an interconnection arrangementbetween the metal tip 126 at the distal end of the shaft assembly 122and the battery 162. Other arrangements may be used so that FIG. 7 ismerely illustrative. The tag assembly uses a headphone jack styleinterconnection so that the tip 126 is split into two electricallyconductive segments 172, 174 which are electrically isolated via anintervening annular insulator 176. A positive terminal 178 of thebattery 162 is electrically coupled to the first segment 172 using aconductive spring 180 or other interconnection mechanism. While anegative terminal 182 of the battery is shown to be directly coupled tothe second segment 174, a second conductive spring or otherinterconnection mechanism can be placed in an intervening relationbetween these respective elements.

The battery 162 and spring 180 are configured to be housed within theretention member 130. With reference again to FIGS. 2 and 3A, it can beseen that an installation sequence for the tag assembly 102 can becarried out using a suitable installation tool (not separately shown)that grasps the tag 120, the retaining member 128 and the ear andpunches the shaft assembly 122 through the ear so that the retainingmember mechanically engages the flange 125 on the backside of the ear.The backing member 130 can thereafter be installed then or at a latertime. The installation is carried out from the front facing surface ofthe ear 114, enabling the user to visually locate the tip 126 at asuitable target location for the central aperture 165 (FIG. 5).

Upon installation of the backing member 130, electrical power issupplied to the system and the tag assembly 102 becomes automaticallyactivated. The controller circuit 142 initiates an initialization (boot)sequence and the tag transitions to an operationally ready mode duringwhich data are collected from the various sensors and datacommunications are established and carried out as required. Energysaving schemes may be incorporated to extend battery life, such asplacing the TX/RX circuits into a standby mode until a wakeup signal isreceived as the animal moves into proximity of a communication device.However, it is contemplated albeit not necessarily required that thevarious sensors will remain continuously on while the tag assembly ispowered and the data from the sensors will be accumulated in the memoryfor subsequent download.

FIG. 8 represents a typical bovine ear schematic for the outer ear(auricle) of a cow. A central cartilage region 184 is bounded by upperand lower vascular regions 186, 188 each having a network of bloodvessels 190. Target location 192 represents a particularly suitableplacement for the installation of the shaft portion of the tag assembly,although other locations may be selected. The target location 192 isjust above the large blood supply provided by the lower vascular region186.

FIG. 9 is a representation of a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)200 disposed within the tag housing. A disc-shaped printed circuit board(PCB) 202 is provided with multiple layers of insulative material andsignal traces (not separately shown) to interconnect various electricalcomponents supported thereon. Representative elements include a systemon chip (SOC) processing circuit 204, various discrete components 206,sensor integrated circuit (IC) 208, LED and driver circuit 210 and powerterminals 212, 214. The secondary temperature sensor 150 is also shown.A central aperture 216 of the PCB 202 aligns with the axis of the shaftassembly 122 (FIG. 3A). The particular arrangement of the PCB 202 andthe components thereon will depend on the requirements of a givenapplication and thus can vary from the arrangement in FIG. 9. It will benoted from FIG. 9 that the center of gravity (COG) of the PCBA 200 willbe below the central aperture 216, such as at COG marker 218, dueprimarily to the location of the SOC processing circuit 204 near thebottom of the PCB 202.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show respective side elevational schematicrepresentations of the medial portion of the shaft 124 and primarytemperature sensor 140. In FIG. 10, the temperature sensor 140 is biasedtoward the lower portion of the shaft along offset axis 220, while inFIG. 11 the temperature sensor 140 is nominally centered along axis 222which nominally aligns with the central axis of the shaft. These orother relative placements of the temperature sensor within the shaft maybe used as desired. Placement of the sensor 140 toward the bottom of theinterior of the shaft places the sensor closer to the lower vascularregion 188, potentially providing more accurate readings of the interiorear temperature of the cow.

FIG. 12 is a simplified representation of the installed tag assembly 102in the ear 114 of FIG. 8. Arrows 224 and 226 show the downwardlydirected bias forces that will generally be imparted by the tag assemblydue to the effects of gravity. The tag assembly 102 is generally“balanced” in that the mass of the backing member 130 (which includesthe battery 162 and, for purposes of this discussion, the retentionmember 128) will be somewhat matched by the mass of the tag 120.

The ratio of mass between the tag 120 and the backing member 130 canvary as required; a substantially 50%-50% tag/backing member ratio wouldbe optimal, but other ranges can be used such up to about 70%-30%tag/backing member, or down to about 30%/70% tag/backing member.

This balanced approach provides at least two benefits. First, improvedcomfort is provided to the animal since the tag is not being pulledforward or backward to a significant extent due to a large imbalancebetween the front and the rear of the tag assembly. Second, thisarrangement provides a measure of self-centering of the location of theprimary temperature sensor relative to the vascular region 188, ensuringmore accurate and consistent ear temperature readings.

To this latter point, the mass of the tag, along with the lower locationof the COG 218 for the PCBA 200, tends to maintain the shaft 124 biasedtoward the bottom of the ear hole aperture 165, providing enhancedthermal contact between the primary sensor 140 and the vascular aspectsof the ear 114. To the extent that movement, nuzzling, etc. causesrotation of the tag assembly 120, such will be corrected as gravityrealigns the assembly as represented in FIG. 9 so that the SOC 204 isnominally oriented at the bottom of the tag 120. In this way, theprimary temperature sensor 140 (see FIGS. 10-11) will be maintained in adesired relation to the ear, leading to more consistent temperaturemeasurements over time.

The tag assembly 102 is characterized as a permanent or lifetime tagsince the battery or other power source can be replaced on a regularbasis, such as annually. This can be carried out as discussed abovethrough the simple expedient of removing (e.g., twisting off) thebacking member 130, replacing the battery, and replacing the backingmember (e.g., twisting on). The retainer member 128 maintains the tag120 and shaft 124 in place during this operation. The various dimensionscan be sized to accommodate growth of the animal over its life cycle.The tag can also be temporarily disabled by removing the retainer member130 during times in which data collection and/or energy consumption isundesirable such as during animal transport, etc. In other embodiments,a user selectable feature can be incorporated into the communicationdevices (see FIG. 1) to remotely activate and deactivate the tag asdesired.

FIG. 13 shows the cow 112 of FIG. 2 with another tag assembly 232 inaccordance with further embodiments. The tag assembly 232 isfunctionally similar to the tag assembly 102 and has the variousconstituent elements discussed above such as in FIGS. 4 and 5. The tagassembly 232 is characterized as a temporary or one-use tag for ashorter time duration, such as animals that are raised and fattened in afeed lot or similar environment. Other configurations can be used soFIG. 13 is merely illustrative and not limiting.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show front facing and side elevational views of thetag assembly 232. As before, the tag assembly 232 includes a tag (mainbody or primary attachment member) 234, shaft assembly 236 with shaft238, retention flange 240, metal tip 242 and LED indication device 244.A backing member 246 is configured to engage the flange 240 topermanently secure the tag assembly 232 to the animal. Alternatively,the backing member 246 can be configured to be removably replaceable asrequired.

As before, the primary temperature sensor 140 is disposed within acentral passageway in the shaft 238 to obtain ear temperaturemeasurements from the animal. The power source 162 (battery) may bedisposed within the body of the tag 234 rather than in the backingmember 246, although such is not required. For clarity, the continueddiscussion below of additional features of the tag assembly will bedescribed in terms of the permanent tag assembly 102, but it will beunderstood that these same features can be readily incorporated into thetemporary tag assembly 232 as well.

FIG. 15 shows a functional block representation of various sensor inputsthat can be utilized by the tag assembly 102. A central control circuit240 may be realized by the aforementioned programmable processor orother circuitry of the tag. Sensors include the first (primary)temperature sensor 140, the second (secondary) temperature sensor 150, amulti-axis (e.g., x, y, z) accelerometer 242, a geoposition sensor 244,an optical sensor 246, a humidity sensor 248, a methane sensor 250, anda proximity sensor 252. Other sensor configurations can be usedincluding fewer sensors than those shown in FIG. 15, as well asadditional sensors as desired. The various sensors provide indicationsof the status of the animal and the surrounding environment. The sensorsmay be disposed within the tag 120 or the backing member 130 as desired.

Power is supplied to the control circuit 240 and other aspects of thetag assembly by the power source (battery) 162. Other power generationmechanisms can be included in the tag assembly such as represented by anenergy harvester circuit 254, which can take the form such as a solarcollector, kinetic energy converter, etc. A power control circuit 256can be used to regulate and condition the power from the respectivedevices 162, 254.

FIG. 16 shows combined graphical data outputs of real world data from aninstalled tag assembly for a selected cow over a particular timeinterval. The data were collected by the tag assembly and transmitted toanother device as in FIG. 1 for analysis and display.

The graphical data outputs include an activity waveform 260, a primarytemperature waveform 262, a secondary temperature waveform 264 and alight waveform 266. Each of the waveforms is plotted against a commonx-axis indicative of elapsed time over a period of several days. Othersensor outputs (see FIG. 15) can be readily combined with thesewaveforms for display as required.

The activity waveform 260 represents the output from a selected sensorsuch as the accelerometer 242 to indicate activity by the cow (in thiscase, number of steps taken by the animal). The primary temperaturewaveform 262 shows temperature measured by the primary temperaturesensor 140. The secondary temperature waveform 264 shows temperaturemeasured by the secondary temperature sensor 150. The light waveform 266shows day/night cycling over the associated time interval obtained fromthe optical sensor 246.

Each high region in the light waveform 266 generally corresponds to adaylight period and each low region in the light waveform generallycorresponds to a nighttime period. The corresponding interval is thus alittle over four (4) consecutive days, or about 100 hours, from February13 (02-13) to February 17 (02-17).

As can be determined from an examination of FIG. 16, the animalexperienced a higher than baseline amount of activity beginning in thenight of the first day (02-13) and through the daylight hours of thesecond day (02-14). A baseline difference (delta) between the first andsecond temperature readings (waveforms 262, 264) remained constantduring this interval, although a slight decrease in internal temperature(waveform 262) is indicated.

This enhanced physical activity was interpreted as an indication thatthe cow was ovulating. An artificial insemination operation wassubsequently applied to the cow in response to this indication, whichwas followed by elevated temperature readings showing large divergencesbetween waveforms 262 and 264. The temperature exclusions of theinternal temperature of the cow signify hormonal changes that wereexperienced by the cow, indicating that the insemination operation wassuccessful.

By monitoring the differences between the respective first and secondtemperature sensors 140, 150, a health status of the animal (in thiscase, pregnancy) can be readily determined. Other health relatedstatuses can be determined as well, such as sickness, heat stress, etc.based the relative magnitudes of these two readings and the differencestherebetween, particularly when correlated to other waveforms from othersensors. Using two sensors in this manner helps to more accuratelyassess the actual state of the animal, since differences in ambienttemperature conditions can contribute to changes in the ear temperatureof the animal. By tracking both temperatures, the magnitudes of therespective temperatures as well as the differences between therespective temperatures can provide valuable information for livestockmanagement efforts.

FIG. 17 shows a receiver (RX) circuit 270 and a transmitter (TX) circuit272 of the tag assembly 102 in accordance with further embodiments. Therespective circuits 270 can be configured to communicate via one or morewireless communication protocols including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellularnetworks, wireless Ethernet, etc. The receiver circuit 270 can beconfigured to receive a number of different types of data includingcommands, status requests and data collected from a different nearby tagfor a secondary animal, including the types of data discussed above inFIG. 16.

The transmitter circuit 272 can be configured to transmit various typesof data including an animal (tag) identification (ID) value, datacollected by the tag, status information regarding various events, datatransfers, etc., and secondary animal data received from a nearby tagassociated with a secondary animal. Other forms of data communicationscan be carried out by each tag so the examples in FIG. 17 are merelyexemplary.

FIG. 18 shows a mobile herd feature of the tag assemblies in someembodiments. Six (6) tags identified as tags T1 through T6 are affixedto corresponding animals who are located in relative positions withrespect to a data collection unit 274. The data collection unit 274 maycorrespond to the unit 104 in FIG. 1 and may be a passive receiver or atwo-way communication device able to both collect data from the varioustags as well as to transmit the collected data to another device.

The unit 274 may be placed at an appropriate location where the animalsroutinely gather, such as watering or feed troughs, corrals, barns orother shelters, milking machines, gates, etc. In some cases, the tagsT1-T6 are configured to sense when the animal is within receiving rangeof the unit 274 and commence uploading of collected data from thevarious sensors that have been stored in the local tag memory (e.g.,flash, DRAM, etc.).

As shown by FIG. 18, in some cases the closest tag or tags to the unit274 establish an inter-tag communication and data transfer event wherebythe closest tags (in this case, tags T3 and T6) download data associatedwith their own animals, followed by transmitting commands to othernear-neighbor tags in the area to request and forward data from theseother tags. In some cases, data may be received by the unit 274 multipletimes through different pathways (e.g., data from tag T1 may be reportedby both T3 and T6, etc.) but this is not an issue as the data collectionunit indexes the received data and can discard duplicate data sets. Thedata pathways can also be used to provide information with regard toherd dynamics and arrangements.

The unit 274 may assign timestamps or other identification informationwith each data transfer session. The tags may similarly mark data ashaving been transferred and may retain the data for a set period of timeor until the tags receive a clear command to clear data sets that havebeen successfully uploaded to the system.

A network access device 276, which may correspond to the devices 106 inFIG. 1, can be used to subsequently upload the data from the unit 276.The device 276 is contemplated as comprising a portable networkaccessible device with wireless communication capabilities, such as asmart phone, tablet, laptop, etc. A wired data connection pathway (e.g.,plug-in cable) can alternatively be used so the references to wirednetworks is illustrative but not limiting.

The data obtained from the device 276 can in turn be transferred toanother device such as a local computer, remote server, etc. or utilizedlocally without further data transfer as desired. Other arrangements canbe used including using the network access device 276 to poll the datafrom the herd network directly without the use of the intervening datacollection unit 274. In still other arrangements, the unit 276 candirectly communicate the data to a remote computer, server, etc.

FIG. 19 shows the network access device 276 in conjunction with the datacollection unit 274, a remote server 278 and a population of tags onassociated animal. Network communications can occur for individual tagsor a group of tags forming a tag network as in FIG. 18.

In FIG. 19, the device 276 is contemplated as comprising a smart phonetype device having TX/RX circuitry 280, a controller circuit 282 andmemory 284. The memory stores various programming instructions and datastructures including an operating system (OS) 286, an applicationprogram (app) 288 configured to enable communications with the otherdevices in FIG. 19, and data 290 collected from the tag(s) and otherdevices as required. A user interface (I/F) 292 includes a suitablegraphical user interface such as a touch screen display, keyboard, etc.to enable the user to interact with the other devices. Other featuresmay be included as well including power supply, audio/video recordingfeatures, etc. that may be user selectable as desired.

The data collection unit 274 is a stand-alone passive data receiver unitwith a TX/RX circuit 294 that broadcasts signals in a relatively smallarea (e.g., 30 feet or so via the Bluetooth specification) to detectboth the tags 102 and the device 276 and automatically synchronize withthese components. A controller circuit 296 and associated memory 298 maybe used to direct data, command and status upload/download operations.It is contemplated that the data collection unit may be associated withor incorporated into other equipment, such as a milking machine in adairy farm, etc.

The server 278 may likewise include TX/RX circuitry 300, a controllercircuit 302 as one or more programmable processors and memory 304. Insome cases, history data is archived by the memory 304 to provide longterm storage and analysis capabilities of the data. Data analyses andreporting can be performed on the data at both the device 276 and server278 levels as required.

FIG. 20 shows a user interface screen of the user I/F 292 that can bedisplayed by the execution of the app 288 in some embodiments. Variousoptions can be provided, each accessible via the touch screen display orvia some other mechanism. Animal statistics are represented at 306. Userselection of this feature will result in the display of variousstatistics collected for a selected animal/tag, such as but not limitedto the various sensor data discussed above in FIGS. 15-16. The data canbe displayed in various ways including tabular, graphical, etc.

Herd statistics are represented at 308. Selection of this feature resultin the display of accumulated statistics for the herd (e.g., datacollected from all or a selected portion of the tags in the system),such as averages, outliers, etc. In some cases, map data indexed againstelapsed time or other features can be used to provide an indication ofthe location of the herd over a period of time. For example, correlatinggeoposition data can provide a graphical representation of the locationsof the herd throughout a particular data in a simulated map format, etc.

A data transfer feature 310 enables data to be uploaded to other devicesand/or the downloading of available data from various tag assemblies102. The data sets collected by the various devices are appended withheader information to signify which data have been collected at varioustimes/locations, allowing provenance data to be accumulated forverification purposes as well as to enable the tags to only transmitnewly collected data that have not already been archived by the system.

An activate LED feature 312 enables the user to selective activate theLED user indication device (e.g., 136, FIG. 3B; 244, FIG. 14A) atappropriate times. For example, if a particular animal is desired to belocated quickly from within a closely arranged herd, illuminating(either solid or blinking) the LED can allow the handlers to visuallyidentify the target animal.

Similarly, other status information can be provided as well; during avaccination operation in which each member of the herd is processed inturn, the light can be activated for each animal who has been treated(or needs to be treated), ensuring the handlers apply the requiredprocessing to every animal in turn without missing any. Multi-coloredLEDs that can be activated to show different colors (e.g., red, green,blue, etc.) can be used for a variety of purposes to signal differentstatus conditions. While the present discussion contemplates useractivation of the LED (or other indicator), in other embodiments theindividual tag assemblies 102 can be configured to activate the LEDsunder various circumstances.

FIG. 21 shows another display arrangement for the user interface 292 onthe network accessible device 276. This screen shows a herd at a glancefeature where each of the tags/animals for a given herd can be listed inturn, allowing a user to scroll through and select an individualtag/animal for further processing. Status data for the various animalscan be indicated on this screen as well. Other features, analyses andinformation can be displayed as desired so FIGS. 20 and 21 are merelyexemplary of the types of real-time and history data that can beobtained from the tag assemblies 102.

FIG. 22 shows additional aspects of the tag assemblies 102 in someembodiments. Different geographical zones can be defined based onvarious system parameters. Three such zones are denoted as Zones 1through 3. The zones are concentric but such is merely exemplary. Zone 1may represent a short range location, such as within the communicationrange of a selected data collection unit 274 (e.g., near a feedingtrough, watering hole, etc.). Zone 2 may be a farther distance from Zone1 and may be defined by an array of other data collection units ofvarious types in and around a selected area in which the animals arepermitted to roam. Zone 3 is yet another zone and may define theoutermost bounds of the acceptable area for the animals to roam, such asthe boundaries of a field, pasture or other open area. Other, higherpower elements may be used to denote the boundaries of the third zone,including but not limited to Wi-Fi routers, etc. Location of the animalswithin the zones can be carried out in a variety of ways includingproximity sensors, GPS detection, triangulation using multiple datacollection units, etc. Mobile data collection and sensing units can beused, including drones, vehicles, personnel carrying hand-held orvehicle mounted data collection units, data collection units attached toherd dogs or other service animals, etc.

Point A indicates a selected animal/tag combination located within Zone1, Point B within Zone 2, Point 3 within Zone 3 and Point D being beyondZone 3. Different protocols may operate with respect to the location ofthe animal/tag at these respective points, including proximity of tagsto other tags which in turn have been located using other mechanisms.

FIG. 23 shows operation of a selected tag 120 at each of theserespective points. In some cases, a close range TX/sensor 320 operatesat relatively short ranges such as Points A and B to communicate with alocal data collection unit 322. A medium range TX/sensor 324communicates with a medium range data collection unit 326, and a longrange TX/sensor 328 communicates with a long range data collection unit330. In some cases, the respective sensors/collection units can beconfigured to detect when the animal crosses various boundaries betweenzones, and provide the requisite notification to a home base. The longrange TX/sensor may be a cellular telephone type device that calls homeif the animal crosses the boundary to Zone 3. This circuit may normallybe inactive, but becomes activated based on detection of the crossing ofthe boundary to Zone 3.

FIG. 24 shows the cow 112 of FIGS. 2 and 13 with yet another tagassembly 400 in accordance with further embodiments. The tag assembly400 is characterized as a lifetime tag assembly that can be utilized foran extended period of time, including being moved from one animal to thenext as required. Other configurations can be used so FIGS. 24 andfollowing are merely illustrative and not limiting. The tag assembly 400is configured to be installed in the same general location as discussedabove in FIG. 8.

FIG. 25 shows the tag assembly 400 to include a forward facing tag 402and a rear facing connection member 404. The tag 402, also referred toas a tag member, a base member and a first attachment member, has athrough hole aperture 406. The connection member 404 is also referred toas a connector, a backing member and a second attachment member, and hasa shaft assembly 408 that insertingly aligns with the aperture 406.

The shaft assembly 408 includes an elongated cylindrically shaped shaft410 and a piercing tip member 412. The piercing tip member 412 has adiameter greater than that of the shaft 410 and is configured to piercethe auricle (outer ear) 114 of the cow 112 and be secured within theinterior of the aperture 406. The length of the shaft 410 generallyestablishes the final relative distance between the tag 402 on one sideof the ear and a disc-shaped base 414 of the connection member 404 onthe other side of the ear.

FIGS. 26A and 26B show respective front and rear views of the tag 402,and FIG. 26C shows a side elevational view of the tag 402 installedusing the connector 404. A user indicator device such as an LED displayis represented at 416 and can be operated as discussed above to providea human identifiable visual indicator (e.g., a flashing red light,etc.). A substantially flat back surface 418 is provided to contactinglyengage or otherwise be disposed in a facing relation to the ear 114.

As best shown in FIG. 26B, a localized, radiused projection 420 can beprovided as desired to extend from the flat back surface 418 toward theear. The projection 420 houses the primary temperature sensor of the tag402 and is configured to obtain an accurate outer ear temperaturethrough contact with the outer surface of the ear. As can be seen inFIG. 26C, the projection 420 is located adjacent the aperture 406 so asto be disposed within the radial extent of the base (backing member) 414of the connection member 404. Other suitable locations for the LED andthe temperature sensor can be used as desired. FIG. 27 corresponds tothe rear view of FIG. 26B and shows an exemplary layout for an interiorelectronic assembly 422 embedded within the tag 402. It is contemplatedalbeit not necessarily required that the tag 402 is formed using aninjection molding process so that an overmold of thermoset plastic orother suitable material 424 encapsulates and seals the interiorelectronic assembly 422. The overmold material 424 may be thermallyinsulative or thermally conductive.

The interior electronic assembly 422 is shown in FIG. 28 to includevarious components including a printed circuit board (PCB) 426, anelectrical battery 428, conductive terminals such as 430 to interconnectthe battery, and various electronic components including one or moreintegrated circuit (IC) devices 432, an LED 434 and thermal sensor 436.The thermal sensor 436 operates as the primary or first thermal sensoras discussed above.

The radiused projection 420 from FIG. 26A is shown in greater detail inFIG. 29. It can be seen that the overmold material 424 contactinglyencapsulates the assembly 422 and is contoured to obtain the desiredshape. The overmold material can be thinned in selected locations suchas in the vicinity of the LED 434 and the thermal sensor 436, althoughdepending on the type of overmold material that is used such thinningmay not be necessary. As noted above, the use of a radiused projectionenhances the thermal coupling of the thermal sensor 426 to the outer ear114, as well as ensures comfort and promotes hygiene for the animal.Other configurations may be used including a flat contact area for thethermal sensor 436.

From a review of FIGS. 27-29 it can be seen that the center of gravity(COG) for the tag 402 will be below and substantially centered withrespect to the aperture 404. This advantageously ensures that the tag402 will tend to hang in a vertical orientation as shown in FIG. 24.This will tend to ensure that the temperature sensor 436 will remain inor return to an optimal location with respect to the vascular structureof the ear 114 to obtain an accurate outer ear temperature (see e.g.,discussion above of FIGS. 8 and 9).

Different connection members may be used to adapt the same tag 402 todifferent types of animals. FIGS. 30A show three different connectionmembers 404A, 404B and 404C. The connection members 404A, 404B and 404Care substantially identical but use different lengths of shafts 410A,410B and 410C, respectively, for different animals having differentsizes and thicknesses of ears (in this case, cattle, bison and goats).In this way, a suitable connection member can be selected and a giventag 402 can be installed. The tag 402 can be easily removed from ananimal by cutting the shaft, allowing the tag to be reinstalled on a newanimal using a new connection member.

As discussed above, the various embodiments for the tag assembliesdisclosed herein provide a number of parametric measurements, includingan outer ear temperature of the animal. The outer ear temperature can beobtained, for example, using a shaft-mounted temperature sensor such asshown in FIG. 6A or a surface abutting temperature sensor such as shownin FIG. 29. It has been determined by the inventors that in some cases,outer ear temperature measurements provide useful information regardingthe state of an animal that cannot necessarily be gleaned from othertemperature measurements, such as a temperature measurement of the mainor core body of the animal. Hence, while the tag assemblies disclosedherein can be configured to obtain additional temperature measurementssuch as a core body temperature measurement using a probe or othersensor that extends into the animal ear canal, such additionalmeasurements are not necessarily required.

FIGS. 31A and 31B show graphical representations of data obtained usinga tag assembly as disclosed herein to detect successful insemination ofa cow. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, successfulinsemination does not necessarily mean that the animal will undergo afull term pregnancy and birth since there are a number of factors thatultimately determine whether an inseminated animal will keep her newbaby. Nevertheless, it is valuable to be able to quickly determine whichanimals in a herd have been successfully inseminated, enabling thehandlers to better understand the optimum conditions for successfulbreeding.

To this end, FIG. 31A shows activity data 440 indicative of movement ofthe animal (e.g., number of steps) over a multi-day period. FIG. 31Bshows corresponding outer ear temperature data 442 and ambienttemperature data 444 for the same animal over the same period of time.

An estrus bubble zone is denoted near the end of Day 3, indicating ahigher than normal level of activity that may have been a result of theanimal being fertile (“frisky”). An artificial insemination process wasapplied to the animal during Day 4. The data shows that the outer eartemperature of the animal underwent a subsequent increase in temperaturealmost immediately after the artificial insemination event. It istheorized that since cows and other large eared animals often use theirears as heat radiators, hormonal changes experienced by the animal as aresult of the insemination event caused her ears to heat up, providingnear real time feedback that the insemination operation was successful.While artificial insemination was used, it will be appreciated that thesame type of data will be exhibited for a natural insemination eventinvolving a male and female animal of the same species behaving in anatural manner.

From these graphs it can be seen that a livestock management system thatmonitors outer ear temperatures in this manner may be able to enhancethe success rate of an insemination program for the herd. Core bodytemperature excursions may be experienced but can be difficult todetect. Outer ear temperature measurements, on the other hand, cansignificantly reduce the time required to confirm successfulinsemination without the need for more intrusive measurements (includingvaginal examinations, which can be distressful).

Monitoring outer ear temperature can also facilitate early detection ofcertain illness conditions associated with an animal, such as depictedin FIGS. 32A and 32B. As before, activity data for a selected animal arerepresented by curve 450, outer ear temperature is represented at curve452 and ambient temperature by curve 454.

From the data it can be seen that zones of heightened activity wereindicated during Days 1 and 2, while outer ear temperatures remainssubstantially constant over this period. Beginning on Day 3, however, asignificant drop in outer ear temperature occurred, so that the eartemperature largely matched the ambient temperature. In this case, thiscooling of the ear temperature signaled that the animal was sufferingfrom postparturient hypocalcemia, or milk fever, commonly associatedwith a reduction in blood calcium levels. Other states of an animal canreadily be determined based on outer ear temperature monitoring, such asheat stress of the animal, etc.

FIG. 33 shows another schematic depiction of a tag assembly 460 similarto the tag assemblies discussed above. In FIG. 33, a primary or firsttemperature sensor 462 is incorporated into a main body 464 of the tagassembly to obtain outer ear temperatures of an animal. Instead ofincorporating the secondary or ambient temperature sensor in the tag,however, an external temperature sensor 466 is provided to obtain theambient temperature sensor data. The external temperature sensor 466 canbe provided at any suitable location, including in or near a datacollection unit 468 that wirelessly communicates with the tag assemblywhen the main body 464 is brought into range (such as adjacent awatering station, milking station, etc.).

At least one additional sensor is shown at 470, and this additionalsensor provides additional (other) parametric data for evaluation aswell. The sensor 470 may be internal to the tag or may be externallylocated. As discussed above, any number of parameters can be obtainedincluding a light sensor, activity sensor, methane sensor, humiditysensor, geoposition sensor, etc.

The data collection unit 468 can receive some or all of the data sets inFIG. 33 via one or more wireless data communication links. In somecases, the data collection unit can process the data to provide anindication of a status of the animal through a comparison of the auricle(outer ear) temperature data and the ambient temperature data, alone orin combination with other parametric data. The indication may beprovided such as by providing, on a display device, graphical data suchas discussed above in FIGS. 16, 31A-31B and 32A-32B. Additionally oralternatively, the indication may be provided using analyticalsoftware/firmware, including an expert system that provides usernotifications responsive to various detected states. For example, thesystem can learn to identify successful insemination, milk fever, heatstress, etc. based on these and other combinations of the parametricdata. The notifications can be provided using any suitable mechanism,including displayed messages, texts, emails, alerts, etc. as discussedabove.

FIG. 34 shows yet another tag assembly 480 in accordance with someembodiments. The tag assembly 480 includes a main body 482 that housesvarious sensors including a primary temperature sensor 484, a heart ratemonitor 486 and a three-axis (XYZ) accelerometer 488. It has been foundthat an accelerometer 488 can provide useful information such asdifferent types of head movements, such as during rumination (chewingthe cud). Generally, a contented cow is more likely to undergo increasedrumination as compared to a distressed cow. Other forms of sensors canbe used including pulse rate monitors, oxygen saturation sensors, bloodflow sensors, etc. that obtain data through optical detection, contact,etc.

FIG. 35 provides a sequence flow diagram 500 illustrative of steps thatmay be carried out in accordance with some embodiments. Generally, thesequence includes an operation at step 502 to affix a tag assembly tothe outer ear of an animal. At step 504, data are periodicallytransmitted from the tag including outer ear temperature data associatedwith a surface or shaft measurement of the outer ear. Other data may betransmitted and/or collected during this step as well, such as ambienttemperature data and other non-temperature related parameters. At step506, the collected data are used by a data processing system todetermine an existing state of the animal.

FIG. 36 shows the use of an auxiliary sensor 508 which communicates datato an ear tag 510. The auxiliary sensor 508 is a physically separatesensor that is attached to or otherwise disposed proximate the animal.Examples include sensors that attach to an external portion of theanimal body (e.g., a leg, a tail, etc.), sensors that are ingested(e.g., swallowed), and so on. These specially configured sensors may beconfigured to transmit parametric data using a short range wirelesscommunication protocol. The transmitted data are detected, stored andforwarded by the tag 510 to the base unit 512. The transmitted data fromthe tag 510 to the base unit 512 include data accumulated by theauxiliary sensor 508 as well as data accumulated by various sensors ofthe tag 510.

Any number of wireless communication protocols may be used as requiredto communicate data between the various operative elements of thesystem. Without limitation, these can include RFID, NFC, Bluetooth,Wi-FI, ZigBee, cellular, server specific protocols, etc. Conformance canbe made with various industry established communication standardsincluding but not limited to ISO 18000, ISO 14443, IEEE 802.11, IEEE802.15, the Blouetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), etc. The samecommunication protocol can be used throughout the system or differentprotocols can be used to handle communications between individual pairsof devices as required (see e.g., FIG. 1).

FIG. 37 is a simplified functional diagram showing the wirelesscommunication interaction between a transponder sensor 520 and atransponder reader 522. The sensor 520, also referred to as a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag or an RFID sensor, is a wirelesscircuit configured to receive interrogation (query) signals from thereader 522, also referred to as an RFID reader circuit. In response tothe query signals, the sensor 520 operates to transmit a responsesignal. The response signal emitted by the sensor will include a tagidentification (ID) value that uniquely identifies the tag. Depending onthe configuration of the tag, the response signal may include additionalinformation as well.

FIG. 38 shows one example configuration for the RFID sensor 520. Thesensor generally has an antenna 524 and a processing circuit 526. Theprocessing circuit 526 includes the necessary active or passive circuitelements to enable the antenna 524 to receive and broadcast wirelessinformation signals with the reader 522. The antenna may include awaveguide or other circuit path arranged in an EMF (electromagneticfrequency) responsive configuration, as generally depicted in FIG. 538.

Sensors 520 can come in a variety of forms including passive and active.Passive sensors do not include an integrated power source, but insteadare activated by EMF energy supplied via activation of the antenna.Active sensors may include or otherwise use a separate power source,such as an integrated battery or a battery used to power other circuitryassociated with but separate from the sensor. Sensors can further beconfigured to be writeable, rewritable, etc. so that a reader such as522 can write data to the sensor 520 during a wireless communicationsession.

An active writeable configuration for the RFID sensor 520 is denoted inFIG. 39. Other configurations can be used including non-writeablesensors, passive sensors, etc. The processing circuit 526 of the RFIDsensor 520 includes a receiver 528, a transmitter 530, a readercontroller 532, reader memory 532 and a power circuit 534. Theseconstituent elements are configured to enable the reader 522 to activatethe sensor 520, retrieve information therefrom including the uniquesensor ID value, and write one or more data values to the sensor memory532.

This configuration enables the various tags in the system, such as butlimited to the sealed tag assembly 400 from FIGS. 24-29, to be remotelyactivated during installation. As depicted in FIG. 40, once the tagassembly 400 has been installed onto the animal 114 (see FIG. 24), areader such as 522 in a user device 536 can provide an activation signalto the sensor 520 within the tag assembly 400. This can result in thewriting of a suitable value or instruction to the sensor memory 532,which in turn is used by the sensor controller 530 to activate the restof the tag 400, including energizing the main battery 428 and bringingthe main controller circuitry (e.g., IC devices 432) online.

In this way, manufactured tags can be hermetically sealed against theexternal environment and will remain essentially inert until ready foruse so that little or no main battery power is drained prior toinstallation. The tags 400 can be conveniently placed into operationalservice upon installation by bringing the user device 536 into proximitywith the tag and activating the tag wirelessly. This configurationeliminates the need for a separate on/off switch, an insulative pull tabthat is removed to allow contact between the battery 428 and theelectrical contact 430, etc.

It will now be appreciated that the various embodiments presented hereinhave a number of advantages and benefits over the existing art. The useof multiple temperature sensors help to correlate changes in the stateof the animal, particularly when combined with other sensors thatprovide a better indication of ambient conditions. Heat stress and otherconditions can be more accurately assessed and compensated. The tag datacan be collected and transferred in a variety of ways and analyzed tofurther livestock management efforts in a wide variety of areas.

While the various embodiments have been described in terms ofdomesticated livestock animals, particularly cattle, the embodiments canbe readily adapted for any number of other applications including beingused with substantially any form of animal, including domesticated orwild mammals, humans, etc.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics andadvantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure have beenset forth in the foregoing description, this description is illustrativeonly, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters ofstructure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the presentdisclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning ofthe terms wherein the appended claims are expressed.

1. An apparatus comprising: an ear tag assembly configured forattachment to an outer ear of an animal, the ear tag assembly comprisinga main body, a backing member and a shaft that extends through anaperture extending through the outer ear to interconnect the backingmember to the main body, the ear tag assembly further comprising aprimary temperature sensor configured to obtain outer ear temperaturedata indicative of an outer ear temperature of the outer ear; an ambienttemperature sensor proximate the ear tag assembly configured to obtainambient temperature data indicative of an ambient temperature of asurrounding environment external to the animal; and a control circuitconfigured to receive the outer ear temperature data via a wirelesscommunication link with the ear tag assembly and to determine asuccessful insemination of the animal has taken place responsive to adetection, by the control circuit, of a localized increase in amagnitude of the outer ear temperature data in relation to a magnitudeof the ambient temperature data over a selected time interval.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the primary temperature sensor isincorporated into the shaft of the ear tag assembly.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the primary temperature sensor is incorporated into themain body of the tag assembly.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein themain body comprises an interior electronic assembly that is overmoldedwith a molded material, wherein the interior electronic assemblyincorporates the primary temperature sensor, and wherein a portion ofthe molded material is overmolded onto the primary temperature sensorand is configured to pressingly engage a portion of an outer surface ofthe outer ear of the animal.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein theportion of the molded material that is overmolded onto the primarytemperature sensor forms a radiused projection that projects from afacing surface of the main body for contact with the outer surface ofthe outer ear.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ambienttemperature sensor is incorporated into the main body of the tagassembly, and wherein the ambient temperature data is wirelesslytransmitted via the wireless communication link to the control circuit.7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tag assembly further comprisesan additional sensor that provides additional parametric data that istransmitted via the wireless communication link to the control circuit,wherein the additional sensor is a selected one of an activity monitor,a geoposition sensor, an optical sensor, a humidity sensor, a lightsensor, a methane sensor, a proximity sensor, a heart rate monitor, apulse rate monitor, an oxygen saturation monitor, a blood flow sensor ora multi-axis accelerometer.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein thecontrol circuit further determines the successful insemination of theanimal has taken place by determining the localized increase in themagnitude of the outer ear temperature data occurs less than 12 hoursafter an insemination event that led to the successful insemination. 9.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary sensorconfigured to be located proximate the animal at a separate locationapart from the tag assembly, the auxiliary sensor configured to transmitauxiliary parametric data to the tag assembly, the tag assembly furtherconfigured to transmit the auxiliary parametric data to the controlcircuit.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shaft has a proximalend that is permanently affixed to the backing member and a pointeddistal end configured to pierce the outer ear of the animal and engagean aperture in the main body, the shaft and the backing member forming aconnection member.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the connectionmember is a first connection member having a first overall length of theshaft, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a second connectionmember having a different second overall length of the shaft, whereinthe first connection member is configured for installation of the mainbody onto a first type of livestock animal and the second connectionmember is configured for installation of the main body onto a differentsecond type of livestock animal.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe control circuit generates and transmits, to a user device, anotification of a detected state of the animal responsive to a change inrelative temperature differences between the outer ear temperature dataand the ambient temperature data, the detected state comprising aselected one of heat stress, illness or successful insemination.
 13. Amethod for detecting a successful insemination of an animal, comprising:affixing an ear tag assembly to an outer ear of the animal, the ear tagassembly comprising a main body, a backing member and a shaft thatextends through an aperture extending through the outer ear tointerconnect the backing member to the main body, the ear tag assemblyfurther comprising a primary temperature sensor configured to obtainouter ear temperature data indicative of an outer ear temperature of theouter ear; utilizing an ambient temperature sensor proximate the ear tagassembly to obtain ambient temperature data indicative of an ambienttemperature of a surrounding environment external to the animal;transferring the outer ear temperature data and the ambient temperaturedata to a control circuit, wherein at least the outer ear temperaturedata is transferred from the ear tag assembly via a wirelesscommunication link; and identifying the animal has been successfullyinseminated after an insemination event responsive to detecting, by thecontrol circuit, a localized increase in a magnitude of the outer eartemperature data in comparison to a magnitude of the ambient temperaturedata over a selected time interval without reliance on a core bodytemperature measurement of the animal.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the identifying step comprises determining the localizedincrease in the magnitude of the outer ear temperature data occurswithin 12 hours after the insemination event.
 15. The method of claim13, further comprising displaying the outer ear temperature data and theambient temperature data over the selected time interval in a graphicalform on a human readable display.
 16. The method of claim 13, whereinthe primary temperature sensor is incorporated into the shaft of the eartag assembly.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the primarytemperature sensor is incorporated into the main body of the tagassembly.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the main body comprises aninterior electronic assembly that is overmolded with a molded material,wherein the interior electronic assembly incorporates the primarytemperature sensor, and wherein a portion of the molded material isovermolded onto the primary temperature sensor to foam a radiusedprojection that projects from a facing surface of the main body and isconfigured to pressingly engage a portion of an outer surface of theouter ear of the animal.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the ambienttemperature sensor is incorporated into the main body of the tagassembly, and wherein the ambient temperature data is wirelesslytransmitted via the wireless communication link to the control circuit.20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is furtherconfigured to determine an illness condition for the animal responsiveto a detection, by the control circuit, of a localized decrease in amagnitude of the outer ear temperature data such that the magnitude ofthe outer ear temperature reaches a level nominally equal to a magnitudeof the ambient temperature data over a second selected time interval.21. The method of claim 13, further comprising a step, after theaffixing step and prior to the utilizing step, of remotely activatingthe tag assembly by transmitting an activation signal to a sensor of thetag assembly by a user device to energize a power source of the tagassembly and transition the tag assembly from a deactivated state to anactivated state.
 22. The method of claim 13, further comprising a stepof placing an auxiliary sensor adjacent a non-ear related portion of theanimal to measure an auxiliary parameter associated with the animal,transmitting auxiliary parameter data from the auxiliary sensor to thetag assembly, and using the tag assembly to transmit the auxiliaryparameter data received from the auxiliary sensor to the controlcircuit.
 23. The method of claim 13, further comprising steps of usingan auxiliary sensor of the tag assembly to collect auxiliary dataassociated with an activity level of the animal, transmitting theauxiliary data from the tag assembly to the control circuit, and usingthe control circuit to identify a suitable interval at which to performthe insemination event.